New attorney asks for delay in ex-coach's rape trial

GRAND HAVEN, MICH. - A mid-November trial for a Spring Lake man accused of sexual misconduct with a girl who was on the softball team he coached is not likely, now that he has a new attorney to represent him.

According to the Grand Haven Tribune, John Moritz confirmed he has been appointed to represent Thomas Barnes Galloway in the criminal sexual conduct case.

Galloway, 44, remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. His bond was increased from $150,000 in late September after he violated bond conditions for the third time.

Moritz said he does not know why Galloway’s former attorney, David Zessin, is off the case.

The new attorney said he filed papers to ask for an adjournment of the trial so he could properly prepare the case. He said he didn’t know when it might be rescheduled.

Defense and prosecution motions scheduled for Monday were also adjourned. Moritz said the defense motion is to request funds for a private investigator to assist him in the case. The prosecution motion is a request to admit additional evidence.